5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): characteristics and uses of this substance

5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP It is an important precursor for the human body to form serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter. This compound increases serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin, for its part, plays a fundamental role in the body by transporting signals between the neurons of the nervous system.

In this article we will see what exactly 5-hydroxytryptophan is, and we will learn about its uses, side effects, and efficacy.

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5-Hydroxytryptophan: characteristics

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is also known as oxitriptan (INN). Is about a natural amino acid and chemical compound precursor and intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin from tryptophan.

As we have seen, 5-hydroxytryptophan increases serotonin levels in the brain and improves the symptoms of some pathologies such as depression.

Regarding its sale, 5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States and Canada, with actions such as antidepressant, anoretic (appetite suppressant) and help to fall asleep and maintain dream.

It is also sold in many European countries as an antidepressant, under the following trade names: Cincofarm, Levothym, Levotonine, Oxyfan, Telesol, Tript-OH, and Triptum.

Regarding its efficacy for the treatment of depression, several double-blind clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of 5-Hydroxytryptophan. However, the quality of such studies has been questioned.

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Applications

5-Hydroxytryptophan used as a therapeutic supplement. This substance is not found in food in significant amounts. Specifically, it is an intermediate that participates in the metabolism of tryptophan.

Likewise, tryptophan is an essential amino acid in human nutrition, which found in some foods such as turkey, milk, potatoes, squash, and various vegetables.

5-Hydroxytryptophan is often sold as a dietary supplement, and is obtained from the seeds of the legume Griffonia simplicifolia (an African plant). It is usually sold in 50mg or 100mg gelatin or vegetable capsules.

Effectiveness

Various investigations have shown the beneficial effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan o 5-HTP in pathologies such as primary fibromyalgia, Friedreich's ataxia, chronic headaches (primary or of another type), depression, anxiety, compulsive eating associated with obesity, and insomnia.

Risks and side effects

Although 5-Hydroxytryptophan has been investigated, has not been thoroughly studied in a clinical setting; this means that the possible side effects and interactions with other drugs are not well understood.

On the other hand, it has been seen in experimental animals that 5-Hydroxytryptophan increases the risk of heart valve disease. Although 5-Hydroxytryptophan has not been subjected to a similar experimental protocol, it is known that its conversion into serotonin could cause the same cardiac damage.

In addition, orally administered 5-Hydroxytryptophan may cause an increase in 5-HIAA in urine. This is a metabolite of serotonin, and indicates that 5-Hydroxytryptophan is peripherally metabolized to serotonin, which is then metabolized to 5-HIAA.

This can cause a false positive in tests for carcinoid syndrome. This syndrome is mainly caused by endogenous secretion of serotonin and kallikrein, and involves a set of signs and symptoms that occur secondary to a carcinoid tumor. In addition, it includes flushing, diarrhea, and, less frequently, heart failure and bronchospasm.

Research

Some research has attempted to examine the efficacy, safety, and acceptance of 5-hydroxytryptophan and tryptophan for the treatment of unipolar depression in adults.

The results of some of them have shown that depressive symptoms can decrease when 5-Hydroxytryptophan and tryptophan are compared with a placebo. On the other hand also have certain side effects (which we will see in detail later), and which include symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and diarrhea.

In addition, in some cases the association of tryptophan with the appearance of a fatal disease was reported. However, more evidence is needed to assess the efficacy and safety of these products before any firm and meaningful conclusions can be made.

Currently, in terms of pharmacological treatment, antidepressants remain the first choice for treating depression.

Obviously, the most recommended are those that have no known life-threatening side effects.

Bibliographic references:

• Shaw, K., Turner, J. and Del Mar, C. (2002). Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane.
• Stahl, S.M. (2002). Essential Psychopharmacology. Neuroscientific bases and clinical applications. Barcelona: Ariel.